The Rise of Rome

Begin with a simple question: "How did Rome become so powerful?" This core theme will be a constant. Here, Professor Aldrete considers the role of the city's geography and the republic's unique political structure, both of which allowed Rome to flourish.

The rise of Rome begins with a monarchy, though much of the city's early years are shrouded in mystery. Unpack some of the key myths, including the epic of Aeneas and the story of Romulus and Remus, to gain insight into the city's founding. Then reflect on neighboring civilizations such as the Etruscans.

Tales and literature from early Rome give us only partial insight into factual history, but they give us great insight into Roman values - what the Romans themselves identified as qualities of ideal citizens. Examine how a few Roman heroes, like Mucius, Horatius, Lucretia, and others embody values of courage, resourcefulness, determination, and more.

Witness the transition from the monarchy to the republic - a new era of government that would carry the city through half a millennium. Wade through the mythology and propaganda, as well as Roman historical sources such as the author Livy, to reconstruct how the transition happened, and what the new republic looked like.

One of the most lasting facets of the Roman Republic is its constitution, which inspired America's founding fathers, among others. Continue your exploration of the early republic with a look at its system of government and its different classes of people - citizens and noncitizens, patricians and plebeians, senators, soldiers, and more.

What distinguished Rome from neighboring city-states was the republic's dogged persistence in matters of war. Watch as the Romans conquered neighboring territories to gain control of the entire Italian peninsula - and witness defeats against the Gauls to the north and the Greeks to the east. See how the Romans treated those it conquered.